Ambient light activates wearable patch for wound treatment
A research team has developed a wearable patch that simultaneously promotes wound closure and tissue regeneration using room light or sunlight, without batteries or an external electrical power source. The work has been published online in Advanced Materials.
Researchers at POSTECH and Konkuk University have engineered a wearable patch that harnesses normal light sources like room light and sunlight to aid in wound healing. The patch, constructed with luminescent particles coated with calcium-strontium sulfide/sulfate and doped with europium and thulium, converts ambient light into a red wavelength suitable for treatment.
These particles emit a persistent afterglow even in the absence of external light sources. When activated by red light, a photosensitizer called chlorin e6 crosslinks collagen at the wound site, promoting wound closure and stimulating tissue regeneration. Simultaneously, the red light boosts fibroblast activity, diminishes inflammation, and fosters new tissue growth.
This dual action—wound closure and tissue regeneration—was demonstrated in animal models, resulting in accelerated healing for incisional wounds and superior healing for circular wounds. Additionally, early human trials revealed improvements in skin elasticity and reduced redness after wearing the patch for just nine hours. This innovation represents a new generation of wearable photomedicine, enabling patients to manage their wound care or skin regeneration within their regular daily routines, eliminating the need for hospital-based equipment or powered devices.
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